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Acoustical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RWE

Engineer I, Site Suitability

Chicago, IL · On-site

Engineering Remuneration: Exempt The Site Assessment & Suitability team is a key technical ... Support coordination and provision of the necessary inputs to 3rd parties performing acoustics and ...

HDR

Senior Acoustician

Chicago, IL · On-site

From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers ... Our Acoustics Practice offers award-winning subject-matter expertise in six technical areas ...

HDR

Senior Acoustician

Chicago, IL

From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers ... Our Acoustics Practice offers award-winning subject-matter expertise in six technical areas ...

HDR

Senior Acoustician

Chicago, IL · On-site

From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers ... Our Acoustics Practice offers award-winning subject-matter expertise in six technical areas ...

Ayrsonics Midwest, LLC

CNC Operator Second Shift

Elgin, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... acoustic panels and architectural components using PET felt and related composites. You'll be responsible for setup, programming, operation, quality inspection, and basic maintenance of a flatbed CNC ...

Shure

Systems Test Engineer

Skokie, IL

Testmicrophone acoustics(capsule frequency response, polar patterns,maximumSPL handling) in lab and ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Wireless Communications, Music ...

Shure

Systems Test Engineer

Skokie, IL

Testmicrophone acoustics(capsule frequency response, polar patterns,maximumSPL handling) in lab and ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Wireless Communications, Music ...

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All JobsAcoustical Engineer JobsAcoustical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Acoustical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.2K

$82.4K

$87K

How much do acoustical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for acoustical engineer in Chicago, IL is $82,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acoustical engineer?

Acoustical engineers are professionals who specialize in the science of sound and vibration. They design, analyze, and control sound within various environments, such as buildings, concert halls, vehicles, and outdoor spaces. Their work helps enhance sound quality, manage noise pollution, and ensure acoustic comfort and safety. Acoustical engineers use advanced technology and mathematical modeling to solve complex audio-related challenges across industries like construction, entertainment, transportation, and environmental science.

What is acoustical engineering?

Acoustical engineering is the science of sound and vibration in technology. An acoustical engineer works with noise, vibration, and acoustics. You use equipment to measure, manipulate, and analyze sound as part of your daily responsibilities. Duties involve improving sound quality, reducing noise, and managing sound pollution on an environmental and human comfort scale. You assess the impact of sound on animals, people, and the environment. Jobs in acoustical engineering exist in the construction industry, both in the public and private sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acoustical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acoustical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and acoustics, typically supported by a degree in acoustic engineering or a related field. Proficiency with modeling software like EASE, MATLAB, and CAD systems, as well as relevant certifications such as INCE Board Certification, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies enable accurate sound analysis, innovative solution development, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What are common challenges faced by acoustical engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Acoustical Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing aesthetic design with optimal sound performance, addressing complex noise control issues, and working within strict budget and time constraints. Coordinating with architects, contractors, and other engineers requires clear communication to ensure acoustic considerations are integrated throughout the project's lifecycle. Additionally, adapting designs to evolving project requirements and ensuring compliance with relevant standards can add complexity to the role.

What is the difference between Acoustical Engineer vs Audio Engineer?

AspectAcoustical EngineerAudio Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Acoustics, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, Sound Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning soundproofing, noise control, and acoustical environments in buildings or productsRecording, mixing, and producing sound for music, film, or live events
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, aerospace, and environmental noise controlMusic, entertainment, broadcasting, and live events

While both roles involve sound, acoustical engineers focus on designing and controlling sound environments and noise reduction, often working in construction or product development. Audio engineers primarily work with sound recording, mixing, and production for media and entertainment. The two careers share some technical knowledge but serve different industry needs.

Are acoustical engineers in demand?

Acoustical engineers are in demand in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and entertainment, where sound quality and noise control are important. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of acoustical modeling software and relevant certifications, with job growth expected to align with infrastructure and technology development trends.

How much do acoustical engineers make?

Acoustical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles can pay higher, especially for those with advanced certifications or in high-demand industries such as aerospace or construction. Entry-level positions generally start lower but can increase with expertise and professional development.
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For Acoustical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Acoustical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Acoustical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acoustical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,411 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, DSP

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Underwater communication is one of the hardest wireless problems on Earth. Radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, so our systems use sound, much like whales and dolphins, to transmit high-bandwidth data, including video. We are looking for engineers excited by challenging embedded DSP problems where algorithms, firmware, electronics, mechanics, and real-world operating conditions all have to work together.

This is a high-ownership role on a small, quickly growing team. You will not be one engineer among hundreds working on a narrow subsystem; you will have direct visibility into the full product, from modem firmware and acoustic signal processing to undersea drones and customer deployments.

About Us

Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. OceanComm brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1,000 times faster. Legacy modems were largely status and command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback, fundamentally changing what operators can see, decide, and do underwater. Leading organizations in defense, offshore energy and oceanographic research rely on OceanComm to keep their undersea systems connected.

What You Will Do
  • Develop and maintain real-time embedded C/C++ code for core components of OceanComm’s acoustic modem firmware, owning features from concept through deployment
  • Provide technical leadership through exemplary code and design judgment that others trust and want to build on
  • Implement, optimize, and validate advanced acoustic signal processing algorithms
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, systems, and field teams to define interfaces and verify system performance
  • Develop tests, tools, and procedures for firmware validation, hardware bring-up, production test, troubleshooting, and repair
  • Help evaluate tradeoffs in performance, reliability, complexity, schedule, cost, and risk
  • Help improve engineering culture, communication, and technical standards as the team grows

Requirements

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience developing embedded real-time systems with C/C++
  • Proficiency in developing DSP software for real-time systems
  • Solid knowledge of linear algebra, signal processing theory, algorithms, and implementation techniques (filters, transforms, synchronization, estimation, etc.)
  • Experience drafting technical documentation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • U.S. Person
What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience with underwater acoustic communications, sonar, modem design, SDR, RF communications, or similar signal-processing systems
  • Experience optimizing DSP algorithms for embedded platforms, including fixed-point, floating-point, memory, latency, or power constraints
  • Experience with machine learning models deployed on embedded platforms
  • Experience designing domain-specific deep neural networks
  • Experience with analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, e.g., low-noise amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, and integrated analog-front-ends

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary and incentive stock options
  • Paid vacation starting at 20 days per year, increasing with tenure
  • Paid sick leave with carryover
  • Flexible schedule with core hours
  • Close mentorship from experienced engineers and technical leaders
  • Professional development support for conferences, books, courses, or technical training
  • Hands-on work with advanced acoustic, embedded, and undersea robotics hardware
Compensation

The pay range for this position is $140,000 – $175,000 per year. Actual pay will depend on the candidate’s experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations.

OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.